Washington State Drinking in Public Violations

Before you pick up a drink and head outside, be aware that Washington State law prohibits you from consuming any alcohol or marijuana in public. The only exception is if you are at an event holding a valid liquor permit allowing alcohol consumption.

For example, you cannot walk through the park with your opened beer or glass of wine. Or smoke a marijuana joint in a public place. Any alcohol / marijuana use has to be at home or at a properly permitted event.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) reads “…no person shall open the package containing liquor or consume liquor in a public place. Every person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class III civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW.” – RCW 66.44.100. The penalty is a $136.00 fine.

Such liquor / marijuana civil infractions can also be used by courts to enhance the punishment imposed for later alcohol related criminal convictions, such as DUI or Negligent Driving.